Completion rates of pupils in upper secondary education, 2000-2005

Both boys and girls in the 2000 cohort had a lower percentage of completion than the 1999 cohort, but there is still a significant difference in the throughput among the genders. While half of boys completed within the theoretical duration, corresponding portion of girls was 64 per cent. When measured within five years, 62 per cent of boys and 74 per cent of girls completed upper secondary education.

Pupils and apprentices with immigrant background had a higher drop out rate. About 43 per cent of pupils with immigrant background who started upper secondary education in 2000 completed within the theoretical duration, 55 per cent within five years, 39 per cent dropped out and the rest were still in school. Drop out means they are no longer registered as pupils or apprentices. They could have started other forms of education, travelled abroad or gone into employment.

Differences in areas of study

General areas of study had a lower drop out rate. Music, dance and drama, general economics and management studies and sports and physical studies had the lowest drop out rates in the 2000 cohort with 9, 15 and 17 per cent respectively.

Tables:

• Table 1 Pupils who started a basic course for the first time in 1994, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000, by completed upper secondary education within five years and by gender. Per cent
• Table 2 Pupils who started a basic course for the first time in 1999 and 2000, by completed upper secondary education within five years, areas of study and gender. Per cent
• Table 3 Pupils who started a basic course for the first time in 1999 and 2000, by completed upper secondary education within five years, gender and parents' level of education. Per cent
• Table 4 Pupils and who started a basic course for the first time in 1999 and 2000, by completed upper secondary education within five years, gender and county of residence at 16 years of age. Per cent
• Table 5 Immigrants who started a basic course for the first time in 1999 and 2000 by completed upper secondary education within five years, gender and country background. Per cent